*Says Nigeria Could Be Defecation-Free By 2025

As the world commemorates World Toilet Day, the Federal Government of Nigeria has charged citizens with the need to cooperate with it in the bid to end open defecation in the country.

Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, yesterday, stated that Ending Open Defecation (ODF) is possible as the government has demonstrated strong political will and commitment toward ending the menace.

He said, “I expect the quantum leap that we have been looking for. Going forward, from all that has happened with yesterday’s world toilet summit and world toilet day, I hope that more states, committees, and locals will embrace the campaign and end open defecation so people appreciate the need to build toilets in their homes.”

However, Adamu charged corporate organisations and civil societies to build toilet facilities for Nigeria as part of an effort to end open defecation.

He added that most of the States declared OD Free have drastic reductions in cases of cholera, dysentery and other air and water-borne diseases, as people live healthy lives and spend less on treatment and drugs.

He also pointed out that the government is basically to provide the enabling environment to achieve ODF status, and tasked individuals and communities to secure and safeguard the health of their families with befitting toilets.

He noted that the onus lies on the citizens, stating that if India as a nation with a population of 600 million people could open a defecation-free society within five years, Nigeria could achieve it.

The founder of the World Toilet Organisation (WTO), Jack Sim called on Nigeria and private investors to prioritise toilet facilities.

He said if you don’t have a toilet, it embarrasses you. “Just as cellphones have been prioritised, individuals should prioritise the use of toilets,” he said.